Lake County driver arrested after three-car crash

A Lakeport woman was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence after she caused a three-car accident on Highway 101 south of Willits, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Shannon R. Walton, 30, was driving a 1996 Chevrolet Suburban north on the highway, near the CalFire station, when she rear-ended a car that was slowing with traffic in front of her to pass a crash blocking the southbound lane. The impact pushed the rear-ended car into the car in front of it, the CHP reported.

The CHP was on the scene directing traffic for the prior crash when Walton, who reportedly didn't see traffic slowing and stopping in front of her, hit the rear of a 2008 Honda CRV driven by Jamie R. Bailey, 37, of Willits. The Honda, in turn, hit the rear of a 2001 Buick Century in front of it, driven by Steven G. Burns, 52, of Redwood Valley, the CHP reported.

The occupants of all three vehicles wore seat belts. Burns' passenger, Renae Blake, 45, also of Redwood Valley, was taken to Ukiah Valley Medical Center with minor injuries. No one else was injured, according to the CHP, and Walton was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.